Ruston, LA — In a groundbreaking project aimed at merging environmental stewardship with technological innovation, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Engineering and Science is turning noxious weeds into valuable, sustainable products. The work, led by Dr. Muhammad Aamir Iqbal, a Fulbright Fellowship recipient, has been conducted in the university’s Biomass Research Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Joan Lynam.

Dr. Iqbal’s research targets several of Louisiana’s most common and aggressive invasive weeds—pigweed, alligator weed, Chinese tallow, and parthenium—which have long plagued farmers across the state. These weeds outcompete crops, reduce yields, and contribute to environmental degradation, often requiring heavy herbicide use that brings its own ecological concerns.

Rather than relying on chemical eradication alone, Iqbal’s study explored how these weeds could be converted into carbon-rich, energy-efficient materials using a sustainable process known as hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This eco-friendly method applies controlled heat and pressure to break down plant material and remove moisture, transforming the weeds into valuable biomass products that could be used in soil amendments, energy production, or even carbon-based filtration materials.

“Noxious weeds pose serious challenges to modern farming systems,” said Dr. Iqbal. “Developing novel techniques to transform weeds into marketable products helps address both agricultural and environmental concerns.

HTC not only neutralizes the harmful effects of the weeds but also offers a pathway toward circular agriculture—repurposing what was once waste into inputs for other processes or industries. The process is chemical engineering-intensive yet efficient, aligning with the global shift toward greener, more sustainable practices.

Dr. Lynam, who leads the Biomass Research Lab, praised the initiative:

“Dr. Iqbal’s approach to transforming weeds into organic amendments offers long-term potential to address weed management and reduce the environmental impacts of herbicide overuse.”

Ph.D. student Mohammad Tarikuzzaman, also working on the project, noted its wider implications:

“Transforming waste, such as weeds, into marketable and sustainable products will contribute to a greener and cleaner world. This is a fulfilling project with profound and wide-reaching effects.”

The project underscores Louisiana Tech’s commitment to innovation, environmental research, and problem-solving through cross-disciplinary collaboration. With global attention increasingly focused on sustainable agriculture and renewable resources, this research has the potential to influence policy, farming practices, and industrial applications far beyond Louisiana.